How does it need to be packed?

For diagnostic samples under UN number 3373, packaging instruction P650 applies.

According to it, the most important requirements on the packaging are:

• - It must be strong enough to withstand shocks/strains normally encountered during carriage, so the contents will not be damaged/cannot leak.
• - Packaging is required to consist of a test container and, in addition, a transport container (protective cover) and an outer packaging.
• - The package must withstand a drop test.

For exempted animal specimens, a packaging consisting of three parts (test container, transport container, outer packaging) is needed as well. The outer packaging is required to be sufficiently firm.

Packaging in detail

Liquid substances

• ·         The test container must be leak-proof and have a maximum fill volume of 500 ml.
• ·         The transport container (secondary packaging) must also be leak-proof and contain an absorbent material which, for liquid samples, must be able to absorb the entire amount of the sample.
• ·         Outer packaging: maximum capacity 4 l

Solid substances

• ·         Test container: dust-proof, maximum capacity 500 ml
• ·         Transport container: dust-proof; if several solid substances are packed in one transport container, avoid direct contact between the samples.
• ·         Outer packaging: maximum capacity 4 kg

For shipping exempt animal specimens, water-proof test and transport containers are always required as well as absorbing materials when sending liquid samples.